Arizona immigration activists lobby Rep. Salmon

Immigration proponents want to persuade Republican U.S. Rep. Matt Salmon to back proposed legislation that would create a 13-year road to citizenship for the 11 million immigrants living illegally in the United States.

The Arizona Comprehensive Reform Coalition is scheduled to rally for the bill at a town hall hosted by Salmon and Mesa Mayor Scott Smith on Wednesday.

Coalition members say they want to show the power of the Latino vote and the growing influence of the Hispanic community in Arizona.

Salmon has been critical of the proposed immigration overhaul.

He plans to host two town halls in his central Arizona district during this week’s congressional recess. He is expected to discuss some of Congress’ high-profile issues, including the proposed immigration overhaul and the federal health care law.